This day in history

1493: Columbus mistakes manatees for mermaids

On this day in 1493, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, sailing near the Dominican Republic, sees three “mermaids”–in reality manatees–and describes them as “not half as beautiful as they are painted.”

From history.com

I know I forget to wear my glasses sometimes, but I still think I would be able to discern between a mermaid and a manatee. But what’s more absurd about this story is that this is the most significant event that happened on this date ever. That’s just sad.  Okay, so I was wrong.  Thomas Paine did publish Common Sense on this date.  Interesting how my daily History Channel emails leave that as a footnote at the bottom while manatees and mermaids receive prominent billing.